Former bowling alley site could considered for affordable housing

An eyesore former bowling alley could be utilised for affordable housing, claims a county councillor.

In its heyday Canaston Bowl (an indoor off-shoot of Oakwood Theme Park) at Cross Hands, near Narberth, was a thriving bowling alley and also home to the popular Crystal Maze game.

A generation of Pembrokeshire people will remember the attraction as a thriving venue for many social functions, such as birthday parties and school trips.

But the building, owned by Oakwood Theme Park, fell into a state of disrepair since closing at the end of 2011, with peeling paint work, overgrown bushes and a pot-holed car park.

Demolition has now commenced at Canaston Bowl, after the building remained unused for over a decade.

Over time it has fallen into disrepair and locals have continually raised the fact that it has become an eyesore and issues of safety have been highlighted, with police in the area highlighting that people had been attempting to enter the building ‘out of nostalgia’ - as part of the urban exploring trend, posting photos and videos online.

Local county councillor, Cllr Di Clements commented: “It's been sad to see it left and deteriorate over the years, but I am glad that Oakwood are finally taking action.

"It is something that I have continually raised with the management and am keen to see the site put to better use or at least tidied up.

“I understand the old shop, Jubilee House, will remain and a I am hopeful that the two bungalows behind the site which have also been left to deteriorate will be brought back into use too.”

Currently no plans have been submitted yet to the Local Authority for future use but Cllr Clements hopes the site might be considered for an affordable housing site, although the area is not in the local development plan.